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SAW → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a more diverse set of landmarks, featuring the Sea of Marmara, the iconic Princes' Islands, and the impressive Osmangazi Bridge shortly after takeoff.
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Princes' Islands
A beautiful view of the island cluster near the Istanbul coast shortly after departure.
Osmangazi Bridge
A clear view of this massive engineering marvel spanning the Gulf of Izmit.
Sapanca Lake
The prominent blue waters of the lake nestled between lush green mountains.
Anatolian Plateau
The characteristic rolling hills and golden steppe of the central Turkish heartland.
For the best photography of the Osmangazi Bridge and Sapanca Lake, sit on the right side. On afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for the Anatolian landscape as you approach Ankara.
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Anatolian Urban Edge
Watch the dense urban sprawl of eastern Istanbul fade into the countryside.
Bolu Mountain Range
Rugged peaks that offer a dramatic transition from the coast to the inner plateau.
Western Black Sea Forests
Deep green forested areas visible to the north during the mid-flight cruise.
Çubuk Valley
The final descent path over the rural and hilly outskirts of northern Ankara.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the shadows on the Bolu mountains. It is particularly scenic in winter months when the northern ranges are blanketed in snow.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 323 km (201 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 32 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: Domestic
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